Black Button Empire Straight Rye Whiskey
Brilliant, deep copper/bronze color. The nose is filled with the scents of charred oak supported by roasted nuts, baked orchard fruits, and a generous dose of black pepper. The palate echoes the nose delivering an assertive oak-driven core tamed somewhat by ripe fruit, caramel, and brown baking spices. Full-bodied with a dominate wood presence. $74.99 – 3.5 Stars
Doorly's XO Rum
Deep amber color. The nose is filled with rich, ripe fruits, brown sugar, sweet caramel, and allspice. The palate echoes the nose delivering sweet fruit and honey with brown butter finish with accents of sweet oak and brown spice. Medium to full-bodied and decadent with sweet Sherry cask dominating from the nose to the finish. $20 – 3.5 Stars
Kilbeggan Single Grain Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, golden color. The nose offers scents of sweet grain with vanilla fudge and subtle accents of citrus and nutmeg. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet grain core with assertive black pepper and oak notes with a hearty dose of wood tannins. Medium-bodied with rich, sweet grain notes that are overwhelmed by alcohol heat and spice with astringent wood accents rising on the finish. $29.99 – 3 Stars
2 Gingers Blended Irish Whiskey
Brilliant, crystal clear. Vibrant while delicate with sweet grain and malty scents in the lead supported by honey, soft caramel, vanilla, and nutmeg with hints of orange zest. The palate confirms the nose delivering soft and silky malt driven flavors with a sweet fruity edge and a very spicy finish featuring black pepper and ginger (am I being persuaded by the title?). Medium-bodied with with lush but vibrant flavors with far too much going on to be labeled "light." $19.99 – 3 Stars
Di Antonio Amaretto Cream Liqueur
Thick, tan and creamy. A muted nose with soft scents of almond cream with candied nuts and a hint of mocha. Quite viscous on the palate with a very sweet Amaretto flavor on the front palate that quickly fades to not much more than sugar and cream. Medium-bodied while being thick on the palate and a bit flabby. Serve over ice. $15 – 3 Stars
Corazón Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is rather pretty and more subtle than the blanco offering scents of baked agave, caramel, allspice, nutmeg and hints of citrus. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a lush core that showcases the baked agave while becoming woody at times leading to a long finish punctuated by caramel and brown spices. Medium-bodied with a rich core that becomes drier on the finish providing a vibrant dose of acidity. $29.99 – 3.5 Stars
Paddy Blended Irish Whiskey
Bright, light golden color. The nose is fresh with scents of toasted grain, vanilla, and hints of dried fruits. The palate continues where the nose leaves off offering a great marriage of grain and fruit with accents of toasted almonds, dry wood notes, and black pepper. Available in the US on a limited basis, this latest offering of the old Paddy Whiskey is better than ever. $ – 3.5 Stars
New Holland Knickerbocker Barrel Gin
Brilliant, pale golden straw. The aromatics are very interesting and certainly barrel-driven with scents of cola and Whiskey with accents of ginger, sweet citrus, and a host of brown baking spices supported by hints of brown sugar. The palate is in somewhat agreement with the nose as the decadent Whiskey and brown spice notes give way to peppery ginger and citrus notes that become redolent of lemongrass and citronelle. Full-bodied with dense brown spirit and brown spice notes that are foiled by citrus and ginger ultimately becoming dry. $29.99 – 3.5 Stars
Capel Premium Pisco
Brilliant, crystal clear. Very floral with sweet tropical fruits filling the nose with accents of pepper. The palate confirms the nose delivering a sweet and fruity core that becomes drier on the finish with trailing grape, pepper, and sandalwood notes. Medium-bodied and a bit flabby with a viscous core and subtle citrus acid accents. $19.99 – 3 Stars
Amrut Old Port – Deluxe Rum
Deep bronze to mahogany color. The aromatics are quite fragrant and pretty with waves of butterscotch, molasses, allspice, and candied orange peel, with accents of clove and cinnamon. The palate confirms the nose on the front of the palate as it delivers rich honey and toffee notes but it soon becomes astringent with cold black tea and wood notes taking center stage. Medium-bodied with good proportions and a fresh dose of acidity are certainly positive but the tannins are a tad too high. $18.99 – 3.5 Stars
